Discussion Guide
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-10
Grades 11-12

Media Literacy Questions for Analyzing POV Films Messages & Meanings

Messages & Meanings

Content

  • What is this film about (and what makes you think that)?
  • What ideas, values and information are overt? Implied?
  • Who are the voices of authority in this film? Are there voices left out that would add important perspectives?

Techniques

  • What techniques does the filmmaker use to communicate essential ideas?
  • How do those techniques communicate the intended message(s)?

Interpretations

  • How might others see this film in a way that differs from the way I see it? How and why might different types of people interpret this film in divergent ways?
  • What is my reaction to this film and what do I learn about myself from my reaction or interpretation?

Sources

About the author:

Faith Rogow

Faith Rogow

Faith Rogow, Ph.D., is the co-author of The Teacher's Guide to Media Literacy: Critical Thinking in a Multimedia World (Corwin, 2012) and past president of the National Association for Media Literacy Education. She has written discussion guides and lesson plans for more than 250 independent films.